High school may be long over, but guess what? The backpack is back. That’s right, business and leisure travelers are using backpacks as an ergonomic, space-saving way to carry their gear.

First and foremost, you want to choose a backpack that has wide, padded straps. The wider the strap, the more even the weight distribution.

Then make sure you’re wearing it correctly. Tighten the straps so the pack doesn’t hang more than 4 inches below your waistline, or it will put too much strain on your shoulders.

Some bags are even designed to lighten the load on your back. AirBac uses an inflatable air bladder for maximum support.

You also want to look for compartmentalization, to keep items from shifting around and messing with the weight distribution.

Kensington has a bag with a laptop compartment that’s checkpoint friendly, so your computer stays in the bag through security.

If you want to avoid stressing your back altogether, look for a backpack that can double as a wheeled carry-on. Biaggi makes a 21-inch rolling case, which also has wide straps and a panel to cover the wheels when you want to wear it.